Volunteer

Addressing the most challenging issues in high poverty communities requires significant time, energy, and resources. In developing countries around the world, many volunteer efforts are full of good intentions but fail to achieve long-term, sustainable change. In order to achieve positive results, awareness of community needs, collaboration with local partners, and cultural awareness and sensitivity is key.

Our Solution:

DREAM believes in the power of matching committed volunteers with knowledgeable community members to create sustainable change. We provide structured volunteer experiences that address community-identified needs while respecting local culture. International and local volunteers make meaningful contributions to our communities on a daily basis, and DREAM provides the follow-up to ensure that these contributions last over the long-term. All volunteers engage in community projects side by side with local community members, staff, and students. Volunteers dedicate anywhere from a few hours to a full year of service, contributing to established DREAM projects or fulfilling current needs based on their skills, abilities, and interests. At the heart and soul of DREAM, you will find a volunteer!

Our Impact:

Qualified and passionate volunteers further the impact of DREAM Project’s programs by engaging in fulfilling work based on community needs, while successfully integrating in a multicultural environment.

Objectives:

Volunteers design and/or actively participate in projects and programs that contribute to the organization’s mission and have a positive impact in the community.

Volunteers receive continuous development to build on their individual strengths and talents while enhancing their professional skills.

Volunteers develop the cultural competencies necessary to succeed in an international and multicultural environment.

The goal of the academic year program is to bridge a Volunteer and Internship Program. Our full-year interns engage in experiential learning and develop concrete professional skills that can help them better market themselves in their careers. These volunteers dedicate their time and talents to DREAM’s mission while also developing cross-cultural and professional skills. Volunteers receive intensive orientation, training, and professional development. The academic year program offers two tracks: Education Development Volunteers, for candidates who are experienced teachers or committed to classroom teaching, and Program Development Volunteers, for candidates who are interested in learning about program management and the inner workings of a non-profit. Click here for detailed information about specific opportunities available or to apply for the academic year.

Each year, DREAM recruits up to 50 volunteers from around the world to work in our annual Summer School and Camp program. Volunteers receive a full week of orientation before collaborating with local Dominican teachers and volunteers to lead the 4-week educational summer program for primary school youth. Volunteers are immersed in local communities and work on cross-cultural teams to facilitate an intensive educational experience that allows primary school students to catch up to their grade level, learn to read or write, practice English and improve basic math skills. We also emphasize personal growth and development, providing exposure to arts & crafts, sports, music, dance, interactive games, and science experiments. Summer camp volunteers work as teacher trainers (professional development coaches), camp counselors, and class instructors. Click here for detailed information about specific opportunities available or apply for the summer.

Some of our most valuable volunteers live and work right in Cabarete. Whether you’re an expat or a local Dominican living in the community, you can contribute to DREAM’s programs. We also welcome short-term volunteers who desire a service opportunity as part of a shorter visit to the area. Local and short-term volunteers have the flexibility to develop a personalized schedule that is based on current program needs. Past local and short-term volunteers have served as classroom assistants, dance and music teachers, English conversation partners, assistant librarians, photographers, support staff at special events, and more! Click here for more detailed information or apply for local / short-term opportunities.

The DREAM Project customizes service-learning trips to ensure our local communities receive the support they need, but just as important, DREAM’s service learning trips empower international volunteers and enhance their understanding of global citizenship. Our trained and certified local guides will match your group with a community project that incorporates your goals, skills and desired experiences to create an unforgettable service trip. DREAM is there from the moment you land in the Dominican Republic until the moment you pass back through customs, organizing and managing all of your on-the-ground needs, letting our groups focus on their service. DREAM has been hosting service groups in the DR for 10 years, with more than 75 groups and 500 youth experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. Please click here for more detailed information or contact us if you are interested in organizing a service project.

Our DREAM

All children and youth in the Dominican Republic will have equal opportunities to learn and realize their full potential through transformative education programs that combat the effects of poverty.